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Weight Watchers

A trusted approach to weight loss for more than 40 years.

QUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement

Established: 1963
Founder: Jean Nidetch
Headquarters: New York City
Stock Symbol: WTW
Accessibility: Meetings, Online, Books, Apps
Diet Type: Low-Calorie, Low-Fat
Gender: Male and Female
Celebrity Endorsements: Jennifer Hudson
Corporate Site: WeightWatchers.com
Get started by saving with these Weight Watchers Coupons

BACKGROUND

It's been nearly 50 years since Weight Watchers came on the scene and started helping people live healthier lives. Weight Watchers helps members create a foundation to introduce healthier choices and physical activity into their lives. Weight Watchers was made popular by the weekly meetings that are still a cornerstone of the program today.

In 2010 Weight Watchers introduced the PointsPlus program. The values take into account carbs, in addition to the fat, fiber and calories found in a food. The PointsPlus program encourages you to make smarter choices by selecting more nutrient-dense foods, giving your body better nutrition and helping you feel sated. The PointsPlus program also features Power Foods, which are specific foods that are not just healthy, but also help to keep you feeling satisfied.

The Weight Watchers PointsPlus program allows you to eat the foods you like without restriction. Simply stay within your daily range and you can still enjoy the foods you love balanced with nutritious choices like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Unlike many diets, Weight Watchers also encourages an active lifestyle.

It all started in a living room, where women would gather to support one another while losing weight. Then it grew, and became one of the most recognized names in weight loss. They've remained an innovative brand, taking the plan online, and creating a program specifically for men.

Weight Watchers Meetings The original Weight Watchers plan invites members to weekly meetings where they help dieters form a network of support with people sharing similar experiences. Each person checks their weight privately. Meetings are conducted by a trained Meeting Leader who motivates and offers the group support through information about nutrition and fitness.

Weight Watchers Online For those whose schedules won't accommodate a weekly meeting, or prefer the anonymity the Internet offers, Weight Watchers Online makes it possible to reap the benefits of the program from the comfort of your own home. Online subscribers can communicate via message boards, monitor progress, manage PointsPlus values, access hundreds of approved recipes and so much more.

Weight Watchers Online for Men This program is tailored to the needs of men seeking an effective approach to weight loss, without the female undertones. The same PointsPlus program is used, but recipes, videos, articles, and guidance speaks your language.

Weight Watchers PointsPlus The first update to the program in 13 years. The Weight Watchers PointsPlus program replaced the Momentum program in late 2010. The PointsPlus program combines the latest nutritional science with the proven Weight Watchers approach to develop an effective system for making healthy, satisfying choices. All this gives you an edge that can help you reach your weight loss goals.

Weight Watchers at Work The Weight Watchers At Work program wants to make your workplace healthier by offering you and your company all of the success of the Weight Watchers program right from your own office.

Weight Watchers Monthly Pass The Weight Watchers Monthly Pass gives you the convenience of using your pass at monthly meetings or eTools online. The Monthly Pass is not a different diet plan, but rather another way to follow Weight Watchers.

DietsInReview.com is an advertising partner of Weight Watchers. This review is strictly our opinion.

PRO

Programs to suit adult men and women
Choose counseling via meetings or privacy and convenience online
Online program is a comprehensive experience
Provides exercise guidance
Thousands of recipes and meals to choose from
Applebee's partnership for more healthful dining
PointsPlus makes it simple to assess nutritional value of food
Named #1 in the Best Commercial Diets by US News, 2011
Reputable and effective for more than 40 years
Free Weight Watchers Mobile iPhone App

CON

Counting PointsPlus values may be time consuming
Online detracts from the traditional social aspect of meetings
Weight Watchers Online for Men is only available online, not in meetings
Not a structured plan which may be difficult for some to adhere to
Not a strong emphasis on fitness

USER REVIEWS

A sampling of feedback and experiences shared by our community.

Most realistic program to maintain long term ... may take longer to lose the weight but it stays off! - Carmelle 8/16/11

I lost close to 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and have kept it off ever since starting almost 10 months ago. I plan to be on this program forever. I'm the healthiest I've ever been. (I'm 26 and am thinner and a smaller size than I was in high school, which I NEVER thought was possible!!) WW WORKS! I have never felt deprived, and I feel like the program is something I can live with. It's literally one of the best things I've EVER done for myself. - Marjie 7/8/11

I've been following the new Points Plus program since the beginning of the year. Today I hit the 10% weight loss goal. Only one week I did not loose weight - but I didn't gain either. Love that the fresh fruits are free so when I just want something - I now reach for fruit rather than chips or cookies. I am a 30 year lifetime member (obviously strayed at times) and find that this is the easiest weight loss for me (and I'm now 59.5 years old). HIGHLY recommend the new Points Plus. The key is still planning and journaling as far as I'm concerned. - Char 4/1/11

The old WW worked. The new one does not. I am one of many lifetime members who have become very disenchanted by this new program. - Elle 6/21/11

I highly suggest playing around with the tools. Eventually most "0 point" foods will develop a point value if you put in a high quantity...especially fruits and starchy veggies like green beans and broccoli. If you eat what the healthy check recommends, drink the water the healthy check recommends and eat your points in proteins and a small amount of carbs and fats then you should not gain weight. It's about eating in moderation. Not going crazy just because you think you can. - Shannon 3/6/11

Leave your own review and rating

WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTSPLUS

The Weight Watchers PointsPlus program replaced the Momentum program in late 2010. The PointsPlus program combines the latest nutritional science with the proven Weight Watchers approach to develop an effective system for making healthy, satisfying choices. All this gives you an edge that can help you reach your weight loss goals.

With Weight Watchers, every food has a PointsPlus value, which takes into account a food's protein, calories, fat, and fiber. The PointsPlus program also features Power Foods, select foods that have exceptional nutritional value and satiating power. As a Weight Watchers member, you'll get a daily personalized PointsPlus Target, so you know how much to eat to lose weight safely while feeling satisfied.

The PointsPlus program encourages you to not eat less, but instead to eat smarter and with more satisfaction.

Learn more about the Weight Watchers PointsPlus Weight Watchers PointsPlus program here.

DIET and NUTRITION

Weight Watchers emphasizes eating more wholesome food, while allowing you to splurge on cravings in moderation. You'll use your PointsPlus values to make balanced food choices that include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, eggs and dairy. No matter which plan you choose, you'll have access to all of the Weight Watchers recipes that are delicious, satisfying and good-for-you.

Weight Watchers members can enjoy chili, muffins, brownies, burgers, pizza, pasta and so much more - especially when you follow their healthy tips for lightening the recipes and keeping within your PointsPlus values target.

The PointsPlus program encourages you to make more nutrient-dense food choices, which not only helps you lose weight but also helps keep you feeling satisfied.

The Weight Watchers website features thousands of recipes for all occasions. If you're a Weight Watchers Online or Weight Watchers eTools subscriber, you can use the PointsPlus calculator tool to find the PointsPlus values of restaurant foods. Weight Watchers Meetings Members can also use the A-Z food list found in the Pocket Guide, or purchase the Complete Food Companion and the Dining Out Companion to help them plan for their night out.

The PointsPlus program is designed so that you can stick with it long-term. Whether you do the program online or attend meetings, there are several ideas for snacks and meals along with a list of power foods. PointsPlus values for foods are calculated using the fat, protein, dietary fiber and carbohydrates from the nutrition label. Healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and other foods from the power foods list, have much lower PointsPlus values than foods that are heavily processed or high in fat. The program is designed to teach you how to make smarter food choices so that you eat more filling and nutritious meals.

For example, Weight Watchers features two side by side meals that both have a PointsPlus value of 11. The two meals are reflected below:

Meal 1 – Peanut butter and jelly sandwich made on reduced- calorie white bread; chips
Meal 2 – Black bean soup; Whole grain wheat pasta with grape tomatoes, small black olives, crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, shredded basil leaves, olive oil and red wine vinegar; grapes

Just glancing at these two meals it would be hard to think they have the same value because meal two offers more food. Illustrations like this make it easy to see the importance of making healthier choices so that you can eat more while getting good nutrition throughout the day.

EXERCISE

Weight Watchers does promote living an active lifestyle, although exercise is not a requirement of the program.

Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers Online for Men do provide workout demonstrations and provides guidance for all skill levels.

Weight Watchers gives you additional PointsPlus to spend during the day depending on the duration and intensity of your exercise. You can choose to use your additional PointsPlus gained from exercise or not. If you do use them, they must be used in the same day that you complete the exercise. To calculate the intensity of your workout, you can use your heart beats per minute or some simple physical cues. If you choose to follow the heart beats per minute, the classifications are as follows:

Low intensity: 68 to 92 beats per minute
Moderate intensity: 93 to 118 beats per minute
High intensity: more than 119 beats per minute

Using the physical cues for your activity level follows the rating of perceived exertion or RPE. This is what Weight Watchers uses. This method is easier than monitoring your heart rate while working out. The below chart can be used to help you gauge the intensity of your workout:

Light intensity – Fairly easy exercise that does not induce sweating unless it’s a hot, humid day. There is no noticeable change in breathing patterns.
Moderate intensity – Somewhat hard exercise that will break a sweat after performing the activity for about 10 minutes. Breathing becomes deeper and more frequent. You can carry on a conversation but not sing.
High intensity – Hard exercise that will cause you to break a sweat after three to five minutes. Breathing is deep and rapid. You can only talk in short phrases.

Keep in mind that those who are just starting to exercise, or those that have been inactive for a long period of time tend to overestimate their intensity levels. If you are just starting out it may be more accurate to gauge your intensity through your heart beats until you get an accurate understanding of actual intensity levels. With Weight Watchers you can choose to do any form of exercise that meets your needs. Some recommended forms of exercise available are:

Yoga
Pilates
Walking
Jogging
Aerobics
Swimming
Hiking
Bike riding
Kickboxing

WEIGHT WATCHERS FAQ

Common questions asked about the Weight Watchers program by our community. Click each to see the full answer.

Can I do Weight Watchers without exercising? - Calcia 8/16/11

How much does Weight Watchers cost? - 7/20/11

Is Weight Watchers safe for kids? - Yoli 8/8/11

Is Weight Watchers good for diabetics? - Jackie 5/12/11

What do you get from weekly meetings? Hongquan 5/23/11

Are Weight Watchers Points confusing to anyone else? - 2/19/11

CONCLUSION

Weight Watchers is a tried and true veteran of the weight loss industry. With a variety of methods to choose from for both men and women, you're almost certain to find the right path for your weight loss journey. Weight Watchers provides guidance from every aspect of weight loss. Food is one of the primary concerns of any dieter and Weight Watchers goes above and beyond most other weight loss programs with thousands of recipes that anyone, dieting or not, will find tempting and delicious. If their style appeals to you, go for it.

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User Feedback

(Page 13 of 32, 631 total comments)

rpg210

I have been doing Weight Watchers for a month and a half and have lost 14 pounds. I hit plateaus often though.And I hate how online users can't be lifetime members, but I like the program.

posted Jul 24th, 2010 3:38 pm

Sedona

It's all about motivation. When your "why" becomes clear, your "how" becomes easy. You must discover your passion for living a healthy life. I lost 50 pounds in 1998 with WW and also Herbalife. I was an instructor for WW and enjoyed it but the franchise kept all the proceeds. With Herbalife I am paid for helping other people loose weight. If you earned $1,000,000 for losing your weight would you be motivated?

posted Jul 18th, 2010 3:16 pm

RIta

I love Weight Watchers, and I am a lifetime member. This is the only program that I have been able to stick to ever.

I have really learned what works for and what doesn't. I learned the value of exercise for both my body and my mind.

I am learning how to keep it off as well.

Good luck to all.

posted Jul 18th, 2010 9:35 am

eileen

Is there any advantage for Lifetime members to go to the Online program?

posted Jul 14th, 2010 11:19 pm

Camille

Online makes it real easy to count points, get recipe ideas & keep motivated by the success stories. Just under 1 month and I'm down 7 lbs.

posted Jul 12th, 2010 11:23 am

Melanie

I am interested in WW, but a little concerned that there are lot of people that are lifetime members but that still gain all the weight back. I need to loose about 20 lbs. I am always gaining and losing this same 20 lbs and i know its because I don't eat healthy enough. I thought of WW because I thought it would teach me what I need to do to make life styles changes for good - but I have to admit - I am a little concerned that WW can't do that for me.

posted Jul 11th, 2010 8:04 pm

tabatha

i want to loss wweight real bad place help me little fat help me place okay i need loss weight bad thank you

posted Jul 7th, 2010 10:46 pm

Pat

I am a life time member. Back in 1980 I joined Weight Wachers, and I reached my goal..since then I have gained a lot of my weight back..Can I join in the on line program. with out paying...thank you..Pat Shabdue

posted Jul 3rd, 2010 8:50 am

Samantha

This program has helped me to lose 50 lbs an I have 37 more to go. It's not so much a diet as it truly is a lifestyle change. There's not special foods you have to eat - it's about eating the right foods for your body and being conscious of what you're eating.

posted Jun 30th, 2010 2:33 pm

Andrea

WW here I go again!!!! After trying 6 diets this year without any success, I finally came to the conclusion that the only program the teach you how to eat is WW. Being on a Diet is the worst feeling ever ever..You loose the weight, but the moment you stop dieting, the weight comes back right there and with additional friends (Extra pounds)..So why dieting? I asked myself..Why I have to start every Monday a new diet...why? Why? Unfortunaley I made the decision to give up dieting and really to start a healthy program, which is WW. I am free again because I AM NOT DIETING..I HATE DIETS..IT HAS 20 YEARS OF MY LIFE...AND I REFUSE MYSELF TO DIET AGAIN..THIS IS LIFETIME COMMITMENT WITH MYSELF. FOR THIS REASON I LOVE WW.

posted Jun 30th, 2010 1:03 pm

Sara

I love Weight Watchers! I only wish I had attended a meeting earlier in my life! I've joined WW twice in the last 3 years and plan to join again this year.... With the few meetings I have attended, I can say with all my heart that it has changed my life. Just having the knowledge of what you should and shouldn't do/eat to be healthy is a blessing. I've probably attended 5 meetings, but with just that time put into it, I've lost 20lbs and still counting! I recommend WW to anyone that is ready to be more healthy!

posted Jun 29th, 2010 1:00 pm

jo-ann quince

i am a life time member

posted Jun 25th, 2010 5:44 pm

Jamie Kasper

I dropped a total of 70 lbs. The education was a big part of it for me (knowing how much food my body should be having per day). I grew up with brothers that made me "eat fast or go hungry". A year later I am still eating better and have a more active & fufilling lifestyle!

posted Jun 24th, 2010 1:02 pm

Hailey

Im starting WW tomorrow. I'm so nervous I wont be able to stick with this :(

posted Jun 23rd, 2010 8:46 pm

steve

I have lost over fifty pounds in 3 years.

posted Jun 18th, 2010 5:40 pm

rose

I signed up for WW online at work and could get into the website there,but only work 2 days/week. I've been having major trouble geting into the WW.com website on my PC at home as well as my laptop. changed so many settings as they told me to...no help.
I wish I could get my money back....no, not able. very very disappointed in this company...will tell everyone about it!

posted Jun 16th, 2010 10:49 pm

Katie

People are fretting that they're not losing weight but they claim they're doing everything right. The human body does not drop weight just because of a few days of a diet change. It took years for our bodies to get the way that they are, it will take a little bit of time for our bodies to adjust and drop the weight. For the people that are losing weight, that's awesome and keep up the great work!! For those of you who are complaining about the program, give it some time. There aren't any complaints from people claiming they've been on it for months and not lost a pound. Have patience and stick with it!! I'm not on this diet but I can tell you that diet and exercise are imperative to successful (and often permanent) weight loss. All this does is teach you proper eating habits and portion control.

posted Jun 16th, 2010 8:31 pm

SANDRA SPENCE

CANT WAIT TO GET STARTED A G A I N

posted Jun 15th, 2010 4:23 pm

Annette

I love this diet. No major changes to my regular diet were required.. So far I have lost 17 pounds in 9 weeks and feel wonderful.

posted Jun 12th, 2010 3:47 pm

delores hughes

i did not know that i could try the ww online free. if i would have i wouldn't have purchased it. it is to slow and there is not any help. i tried to reverse my purchase but i couldn't.

posted Jun 8th, 2010 6:02 pm

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